Particle size distribution of cocaine hydrochloride

Michael R. Kuhlman; Rachel E. Gooding; Vladimir G. Kogan; Curtis Bridges

doi:10.1117/12.266779

17 February 1997 Particle size distribution of cocaine hydrochloride

Michael R. Kuhlman, Rachel E. Gooding, Vladimir G. Kogan, Curtis Bridges

Proceedings Volume 2937, Chemistry- and Biology-Based Technologies for Contraband Detection; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266779
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1996, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A principal method for the detection of concealed shipments of cocaine hydrochloride relies upon the intake of an air sample taken near a surface onto an analytical instrument, and the detection of the narcotic present in the air or surface materials collected. The low vapor pressure of cocaine at normal temperatures indicates that particulate material present on the surfaces of target packages affords a higher probability of collection of detectable mass than does a vapor sample. An accurate representation of the particles in question is required, both for theoretical sampler design and for the performance of meaningful tests of instrument capabilities. Existing test methods for target particle preparation call for use of sand particles ranging in size from 20 to 100 micrometers in diameter, coated with a solution of cocaine hydrochloride. In this study, three seized samples and pharmaceutical cocaine hydrochloride were analyzed using an Aerosizer to measure the size distribution of the air-dispersed particles. The results obtained during these tests indicate that the actual size range of the particles is significantly smaller than the test particles cited. Results obtained in instrument evaluations using the larger target particles may therefore be misleading.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Kuhlman, Rachel E. Gooding, Vladimir G. Kogan, and Curtis Bridges "Particle size distribution of cocaine hydrochloride", Proc. SPIE 2937, Chemistry- and Biology-Based Technologies for Contraband Detection, (17 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266779

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